Activists argue judge's ruling overlooks a string of federal and state laws

New Jersey environmental groups Thursday announced they will file an appeal with the Third Circuit federal court to challenge Delaware-based federal Judge Sue L. Robinson's decision to allow the Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with the deepending of the Delaware River by five feet without complying with federal and state environmental laws.

"When the government is willing to break the law in a way that hurts our communities, citizens must rise up and defend the law," Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper, said. "Sadly, we are not surprised by Judge Robinson's decision. Her pre-disposition in support of the project was made clear last year during oral argument, from which environmental plaintiffs were excluded from participating. We believe her decision does not have a solid legal basis and it lays bare to Army Corps' abuse the entire length of the Delaware River."